Been to Vegas, is Biloxi/GPT worth a try?
 

I'm trying to plan a quick getaway for my husband's birthday in early June. We've been to Vegas 3 times, and I like to go new places. He likes to play Craps. Biloxi would be a shorter flight and a cheaper stay. We'd be there for two nights, or perhaps 3 at most. I'd like to sit by a nice pool during the day and play Craps at night. Will Biloxi fit the bill, or is it not worth going? We would most likely stay at the Beau Rivage if we went. Any comments appreciated.<BR>

Beau Rivage is definately worth it. The hotel and casino is up to Vegas standards and it's a beautiful property. It's run by the Mirage Resorts people. It is by far the best property in the area. Beautiful pool with cabanas overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Try to get a room with an ocean view which will allow you to keep an eye on the pool action. The casino has any and all games except there is no sportbook. Great choice of restaurants and beautiful shops. There is also a beautiful theater which at one time had a permanent Cirque de Solei show, but I'm not sure what's going on there now. I usually go there for 2 or 3 nights, as there is not much to do in the area outside of enjoying your hotel and casino. There are some historical places(nothing exciting) and if you like deep sea fishing then this is your place. Golf courses are available as well in the area. The other casino hotels are a notch or 2 below the Rivage, but the casinos are still enjoyable, so you may want to check them out as well.<BR>I give the BR 2 thumbs up for a short gambling trip!!!

I love the Beau Rivage, especially if you get a corner room! You'll have a huge room with views of both the Gulf and the town. Having said that, there's really not much else to compare to Las Vegas. The other casinos (and there aren't that many) are not within walking distance and the shuttle bus between them can be awfully slow. But if you want a great hotel with great restaurants, the Beau Rivage will definitely fit the bill. Sadly, the Cirque du Soleil is no longer playing...we saw Stomp there last summer, but it's gone, too. The last I heard there was a Riverdance production, but I'm not sure. One more thing: if you want to leave the hotel for a great restaurant, try Mary Mahoney's. It's right across the street and an easy walk.

We go to Vegas about once a year and we also go to Biloxi, as it is not a bad drive for us. The Grand Casino and Hotel, Bilox, has &quot;Starlight Express&quot; showing through the month of May. The Beau Rivage has a circus show, not the Cirque, but you might check their web site, beaurivage.com. for info on this. I have seen a number of good shows in Biloxi. The Grand has a series of broadway shows during the summer months. The food is delicious at The Beau and The Grand also has a good seafood buffet. The Grand at Gulfport has a beautiful pool surrounded by a lazy river. The new section of this hotel is nice, not as nice as The Beau, but I like this pool area better. I have seen some very good shows, such as &quot;Chicago&quot;, &quot; Smokey Joe's Cafe&quot;, while in Bilxo. It is a fun place for about three days. The shuttle service between casinos is very slow.

I say GO FOR IT! I went to Vegas last year 9 times ( will go one this year)<BR>and I also went to the Beau Rivage in Gulfport, I think it would be fun!!<BR>Not as active as Vegas but that can be a good thing!

Thanks all for your replies. I just may give it a try. I've read something about a ferry to an island. <BR>We're water people, so that interested me. How close is it to the Beau Rivage? How long an outing is it? Thanks. Heidi

I just saw a show about a boat ride to a remote island off the coast of Biloxi. There was fishing and bird watching offered. The Beau Rivage was mentioned on the show. You might contact them about this trip. I am sure they would know about it. Have fun in Biloxi. The Beau Rivage is located in Biloxi, not Gulfport. The two towns just merge along the coast highway.

I think you're talking about Ship Island, but I don't have any personal info about it. I'm sure there's lots available on the internet.

Ship Island is a great day trip. The leaving point is in Gulfport, next to the Marine Life park (where highway 49 meets the beach). I'm sure you could get a taxi or shuttle service from BR to this outing. Lots of fun, but don't go if you get seasick. The ride one way is about an hour or so. On the island is Fort Massachusetts (to tour) and of course the beach.

As for the coast of MS area, there are outlet malls in Gulfport, many state parks and other touristy attractions.